Not impressed with my G35 sedan
I used to have a 1999 Audi A4 Quattro sedan. But something went wrong with the engine, none of the mechanics I took it to could give me a straight answer of what the problem was...
So, I guess without thinking, I saw a 2008 G35x with 38K miles for $15k in my area. I went ahead and made the purchase.
Now that I've owned it for almost four months, I have to say that I am quite disappointed. Behind the wheel, the car feels very big and inept. Steering...has no feel, it feels artificially weighted. The engine sounds like an early '90's GM 6 cylinder. Power delivery is very sloppy and unrefined, and the car is quite difficult to drive in certain situations. The whole interior shakes and rattles over the smallest of bumps, it seems like everything was put together very poorly. Fit and finish is just plain amateur compared to other car makes like BMW or Lexus.
There are even some technological glitches in the car, like the seat heaters not working and the analog clock lighting flickers on and off while driving at night. I know, I sound like a whiner, but this stuff annoys me. Especially in an expensive luxury car like this. The Audi that I used to have was a much better handling car, I could toss it around corners no problem, and I felt far more confident behind the wheel. I know the Infiniti G has a large following, but I made a mistake in purchasing this car. This is not the "sport sedan" that I was hoping for. I don't know what to do now, I'll never find a good deal on a car like this ever again. What are the odds that I'll find an A4...or a Lexus IS350...or a BMW 3 series with 38K miles for 15 grand. Slim to none.
I came here for help, to see if any other G35 drivers could relate to my experiences and give me advice. What is my best course of action here. Thanks.
So, I guess without thinking, I saw a 2008 G35x with 38K miles for $15k in my area. I went ahead and made the purchase. Now that I've owned it for almost four months, I have to say that I am quite disappointed. Behind the wheel, the car feels very big and inept. Steering...has no feel, it feels artificially weighted. The engine sounds like an early '90's GM 6 cylinder. Power delivery is very sloppy and unrefined, and the car is quite difficult to drive in certain situations. The whole interior shakes and rattles over the smallest of bumps, it seems like everything was put together very poorly. Fit and finish is just plain amateur compared to other car makes like BMW or Lexus.
There are even some technological glitches in the car, like the seat heaters not working and the analog clock lighting flickers on and off while driving at night. I know, I sound like a whiner, but this stuff annoys me. Especially in an expensive luxury car like this. The Audi that I used to have was a much better handling car, I could toss it around corners no problem, and I felt far more confident behind the wheel. I know the Infiniti G has a large following, but I made a mistake in purchasing this car. This is not the "sport sedan" that I was hoping for. I don't know what to do now, I'll never find a good deal on a car like this ever again. What are the odds that I'll find an A4...or a Lexus IS350...or a BMW 3 series with 38K miles for 15 grand. Slim to none.
I came here for help, to see if any other G35 drivers could relate to my experiences and give me advice. What is my best course of action here. Thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Danville, CA
Buy a 3 series.
The G is a good car, but it's a little rough. Good power, pretty lousy mileage. Trouble free so far at about 80K miles. I have an 04 330i also that rides so much better though feels like a dog in the straights. I put 19' coupe wheels, eibach springs, and koni shocks on the G to try to get it where I want. Looks a lot better now, handles great in the curves, but is otherwise not a very pleasant ride to be honest. The bimmer seems to out handle it in the curves yet still be a nice ride on city streets. It is a noticeably smaller car, however, and frankly too small for me so my wife drives it.
The G is a good car, but it's a little rough. Good power, pretty lousy mileage. Trouble free so far at about 80K miles. I have an 04 330i also that rides so much better though feels like a dog in the straights. I put 19' coupe wheels, eibach springs, and koni shocks on the G to try to get it where I want. Looks a lot better now, handles great in the curves, but is otherwise not a very pleasant ride to be honest. The bimmer seems to out handle it in the curves yet still be a nice ride on city streets. It is a noticeably smaller car, however, and frankly too small for me so my wife drives it.
Alright, enough is enough. OP has convinced me. I am selling my car! Buying an Audi! You win! You are so much better than the rest of us! Can we hang out? Please ......
Don't leave us, we have so much more that we want to talk about? Which stock to buy? Should I buy a single family home or condo? Is Rolex over priced? Moon landing was real or fake? Who killed JFK?
I am sure Nissan engineers will start calling you up asking for advice
Don't leave us, we have so much more that we want to talk about? Which stock to buy? Should I buy a single family home or condo? Is Rolex over priced? Moon landing was real or fake? Who killed JFK?
I am sure Nissan engineers will start calling you up asking for advice
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 931
Likes: 47
From: Boston
OP, it sounds like you bought a car that had a previous bad history. Having electrical issues at only 38k miles sounds like the previous owner did something to it that you don't know about.
Also, because it was listed on CL really increases the possibility of that.
My car is older, 2007 Infiniti G35x sedan bought used at 21k miles at a dealer in 2009. Now it has 88k miles and I have NO electrical issues. Your case is an anomaly, and since you can never be sure what the previous owner did to the car you can't really blame the car, but your own lack of research. Paying $15k for a 38k mile car is extremely cheap, so you do get what you pay for.
If you want better handling, invest in Hotchkis Sway Bars and better tires. Simple things like tires can even drastically change handling characteristics of the car.
Also, check your trunk where your spare tire is. Is there any puddle of water in it where the spare tire sits? That's a sign of a flooded car.
Also, because it was listed on CL really increases the possibility of that.
My car is older, 2007 Infiniti G35x sedan bought used at 21k miles at a dealer in 2009. Now it has 88k miles and I have NO electrical issues. Your case is an anomaly, and since you can never be sure what the previous owner did to the car you can't really blame the car, but your own lack of research. Paying $15k for a 38k mile car is extremely cheap, so you do get what you pay for.
If you want better handling, invest in Hotchkis Sway Bars and better tires. Simple things like tires can even drastically change handling characteristics of the car.
Also, check your trunk where your spare tire is. Is there any puddle of water in it where the spare tire sits? That's a sign of a flooded car.
Last edited by mathnerd88; Aug 22, 2014 at 08:38 PM.
If you want better handling upgrade your sway bars. They are so thin you might as well not have them on the car. I didn't read everything but are you planing in keeping the car after this review? Modifing the car to how you Ike it will get kind of pricey. As for me I have not had a problem w/ the car and it's been good
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 842
Likes: 95
G35x
The same thought occurred to me. I have had some major warranty covered repairs over the years but if some year down the road I have to drop $1500 for the gasket repair I'm not too concerned. This has been a very fun car for me. Maybe I have low standards for handling compared to some but it feels good to me in the corners. I have driven some real boats in the handling department in my time.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 842
Likes: 95
G35x
http://infinitmisery.com/
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Lol, this post is retarded
If your clock flickers on and off, sorry but your previous owner did something majorly f*ked with that car. That should never happen at 70xxx miles. Likely water damaged, or someone was tinkering a bit past their knowledge. And you think this car handles badly? Sorry you are just misinformed. It is second only to the 3 series of the same year (by a very slim margin), and yeah that includes your beloved Audi. I'm gonna trust the word of numerous car reviewing specialists rather than you.
If your clock flickers on and off, sorry but your previous owner did something majorly f*ked with that car. That should never happen at 70xxx miles. Likely water damaged, or someone was tinkering a bit past their knowledge. And you think this car handles badly? Sorry you are just misinformed. It is second only to the 3 series of the same year (by a very slim margin), and yeah that includes your beloved Audi. I'm gonna trust the word of numerous car reviewing specialists rather than you.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,225
Likes: 4
Clearly a troll post, but anyways.
Is this car perfect? Far from it (just look at the "what I hate about my car" thread.)
The I've had mine for over 7 years now and my problem is simple: I can't find anything "better" worth spending the money for.
The car is good looking, comfortable, fun to drive, quick, handles and brakes well and has been reliable.
Would I consider selling mine for an A4? Not in my lifetime. Tried driving a 335i. It was slightly quicker, but less comfortable, not as attractive and a lot more money. IS350 was pretty nice but felt too small and a lot more money.
There are plenty of other cars I wouldn't mind driving, just none that I'd consider "better" for the $$. That was true when it was new and also true when it's used.
He paid $15k (supposedly) for a 2008 AWD 306hp car with leather and luxury features and 38k miles. Show me another bargain like that. Find a better car that has even close to the same features in that price range.
Is this car perfect? Far from it (just look at the "what I hate about my car" thread.)
The I've had mine for over 7 years now and my problem is simple: I can't find anything "better" worth spending the money for.
The car is good looking, comfortable, fun to drive, quick, handles and brakes well and has been reliable.
Would I consider selling mine for an A4? Not in my lifetime. Tried driving a 335i. It was slightly quicker, but less comfortable, not as attractive and a lot more money. IS350 was pretty nice but felt too small and a lot more money.
There are plenty of other cars I wouldn't mind driving, just none that I'd consider "better" for the $$. That was true when it was new and also true when it's used.
He paid $15k (supposedly) for a 2008 AWD 306hp car with leather and luxury features and 38k miles. Show me another bargain like that. Find a better car that has even close to the same features in that price range.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,225
Likes: 4
Reading again, two comments of his made me laugh.
He first calls it an "expensive luxury car," then a "high end car."
Neither of those things are remotely true. It's an ENTRY LEVEL sports sedan. But NOTHING in the market offered the same level of performance or luxury at that price.
If you'd rather pay more money for a nicer interior and give up 100+ horsepower...... buy another A4. And in the meantime, it'll get slaughtered in the corners as well.
He first calls it an "expensive luxury car," then a "high end car."
Neither of those things are remotely true. It's an ENTRY LEVEL sports sedan. But NOTHING in the market offered the same level of performance or luxury at that price.
If you'd rather pay more money for a nicer interior and give up 100+ horsepower...... buy another A4. And in the meantime, it'll get slaughtered in the corners as well.
More proof of flooded cars on the market like I said
http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf...oded_cars.html
http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf...oded_cars.html
